Niacin is a B vitamin that can help lower cholesterol. A person can also take other dietary supplements, such as berberine and fish oil, to help lower cholesterol. However, people should only use these products after speaking with a doctor.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that circulates in the blood. There are two main types of cholesterol: low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL). Sometimes people call LDL “bad” cholesterol and HDL “good” cholesterol.
LDLs transport cholesterol and fats, such as triglycerides, to the cells that need them. HDL
When this happens, fatty deposits called plaque can build up in the arteries. Plaque
This plaque buildup can
Vitamins are substances, usually found in food, that the body needs to grow and function. Niacin is a vitamin that can help lower LDL cholesterol levels. However, people should not start taking it without talking to a doctor first.
This article will look at how niacin helps lower a person’s cholesterol. It also looks at other supplements a person can take, safety precautions, and alternatives to cholesterol.
Learn more about HDL and LDL cholesterol here.
Niacin, or nicotinic acid, is a B vitamin that can help lower cholesterol.
Although niacin occurs naturally in certain foods, there are
The
However, the
Prescription nicotinic acid is over
Learn what causes high cholesterol here.
Dose
People should take the drug at bedtime after eating a low-fat snack.
A doctor generally prescribed 500 milligrams (mg) for 1 to 4 weeks to reduce the risk and severity of side effects. They can then increase the dose to 1,000–2,000 mg per day, depending on the individual’s needs.
Learn more about niacin here.
The
A person should never take the dietary supplement version of niacin to replace prescription niacin. Indeed, it can lead to serious side effects.
The
Those who take 1,000 mg or more of nicotinic acid daily in drug form may experience:
Since niacin can raise a person’s blood sugar level, it
Learn more about diabetes in our dedicated hub here.
Other dietary supplements that may help lower cholesterol include:
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)
Omega-3 PUFAs, also called omega-3 fish oils or omega-3 fatty acids, may help
Omega-3 PUFAs are found in foods such as fatty fish, seeds and nuts. Supplements are also available. The
Large doses can cause serious side effects, including:
In people with diabetes, omega-3 PUFA supplements can make it harder to control their blood sugar. People with a fish or shellfish allergy may have an allergic reaction to omega-3 PUFAs.
Learn more about polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) here.
Berberine
Berberine comes from plants such as goldenseal, barberry, Oregon grape and tree turmeric.
Possible side effects of berberine include:
Learn more about triglyceride and cholesterol levels here.
flax seed
Flaxseeds contain α-linolenic acid, lignans and phenolic compounds, which can lower LDL and triglycerides in the blood.
The dietary supplement form of flaxseed is usually an oil.
Learn more about the best supplements for lowering cholesterol.
Other ways to lower cholesterol include:
Have a balanced diet
The best way for a person to help lower their cholesterol levels is to limit the amount of total and saturated fat they consume.
Saturated fats raise LDL levels more than any other food. Red meat, dairy products, chocolate, fried and processed foods all contain high levels of saturated fat.
Find out how much saturated fat to eat daily.
Exercise more
Exercise can increase HDL cholesterol levels in the blood. The
Learn more about how exercise helps cholesterol levels here.
Take prescription drugs
There are many prescription medications for people with high cholesterol. They understand:
- statins
- cholesterol absorption inhibitors
- bile acid sequestrants
- PCSK9 inhibitors
- adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitors
The right treatment approach will depend on the individual. This is why it is important for people to speak with their doctor if they are concerned about their cholesterol levels.
Learn more about cholesterol-lowering drugs and other remedies here.
The body needs a balance between LDL and HDL cholesterol. However, eating foods high in saturated fat can upset this balance, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Niacin is a vitamin that can help lower LDL cholesterol. However, people should only take niacin under the supervision of a doctor, as it can cause serious side effects.
